American Crossword Puzzle Tournament
by Word-Buff
The American Crossword Puzzle Tournament (usually known as the ACPT) is the biggest crossword tournament in the world, and has been held annually since 1978. There are lots of divisions (so novices are welcome!) and plenty of prize categories too, so you don't need to fancy yourself as the fastest crossword solver in the world to enter. But speaking of fast crossword solvers, you might like to take a squiz at my interview with Tyler Hinman, a 5-times ACPT Champ! The tournament is directed by none other than Will Shortz. For those who've never heard of him, he is the editor of the New York Times Crossword — the most prestigious syndicated crossword puzzle in America. (He's the guy handing out the trophies in the video I just showed you.) The crossword tournament spans an entire weekend with the leaders in the top divisions facing a sudden-death play off in front of a live audience on the Sunday (see the picture at the top of this article). As if to ensure just the right balance between intensity and frivolity, though, the deathly serious finals are preceded by a Crossworders Got Talent show, featuring ACPT contestants. I can't resist showing you my favorite entry. The singer and lyricist for this one is Amanda Yesnowitz, and this is her entry for 2009. You might recognize the song... Previous ChampionsHere is a list of all American Crossword Puzzle Tournament Champions since the first event was held in 1978. Names that appear as links are winners who have been interviewed by Word-Buff. Just click the link to go to the interview... 2010—Dan Feyer 2009—Tyler Hinman 2008—Tyler Hinman 2007—Tyler Hinman 2006—Tyler Hinman 2005—Tyler Hinman 2004—Trip Payne 2003—Jon Delfin 2002—Jon Delfin 2001—Ellen Ripstein 2000—Douglas Hoylman 1999—Jon Delfin 1998—Trip Payne 1997—Douglas Hoylman 1996—Douglas Hoylman 1995—Jon Delfin 1994—Douglas Hoylman 1993—Trip Payne 1992—Douglas Hoylman 1991—Jon Delfin 1990—Jon Delfin 1989—Jon Delfin 1988—Douglas Hoylman 1987—David Rosen 1986—David Rosen 1985—David Rosen 1984—John McNeill 1983—David Rosen 1982—Stanley Newman 1981—Philip Cohen 1980—Daniel Pratt 1979—Miriam Raphael 1978—Nancy Schuster If you want to find out more about this mandatory event on the cruciverbalist's calendar, I suggest you pop on over to the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament website. It's all there.
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